These self-curated gallery walls are back and can be found in living and family rooms throughout Southern California: Because you don’t need a design or art history degree to transform your bare walls into full-on fabulous.

Whether it’s family photos or artwork, they add a personal touch while also providing a real design element sure to make a statement.

Consider the same color palette and frame size when positioning art along with furniture pieces. (Courtesy photo Modsy)

Eclectic pieces have their place and fit right in with the rest of the decor. Less is more here. (Courtesy photo Modsy)

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Don’t be afraid to go big. In this case the art works in relation to the furnishings in both size and color. (Courtesy photo Modsy)

Similar color palettes and frame size helps with arranging these art pieces that form a cohesive unit on a large living room wall. (Courtesy photo Modsy)

Two similarly sized art pieces work together to fill space while offering a balanced look to this living room. (Courtesy photo Modsy)

Similar color palettes and frame size helps with arranging these art pieces that form a cohesive unit on a large living room wall. (Courtesy photo Modsy)

“Art creates personality and depth in a room while also adding layers, pattern, and color. It tells the story of who you are, what you’re influenced by, and how you view the world. Essentially, art makes your home yours,” said Alessandra Wood, director of style for the online home design site Modsy.

Wood, who also happens to have a PhD in design history, recommends treating your home as a personal museum. “What story are you trying to tell with the objects in the space? Where do you collect the pieces on display? What do they mean to you?”

Not sure how to answer any of those questions? If you’re a deep thinker, consider a Surrealist piece of art. It’ll keep your mind sharp. Absolutely love your dog? Commission an artist for a portrait. If you travel extensively, buy pieces that tell the stories of your journeys. And there’s nothing wrong with good old family photos, but think outside the box, she said.

“If you’re not an enlarged-family-photos-on-the-wall type, that’s okay. I had our wedding photographer shoot a few images of the landscape and landmarks on my wedding day, she said. “The photos easily incorporate as artistic pieces into our living space without screaming bride and groom. (I confess, I do have a shrine of wedding photos on my bathroom wall and gaze longingly at them every time I brush my teeth.) You can capture your own photos like this as well; commemorate special moments and memories by taking photos of the surroundings and sprinkle them throughout your home.”

If your aesthetic leans a bit more toward art pieces, Wood has five suggestions:

Buy artist prints, which in many cases are really affordable. You don’t always have to buy the original oil painting. “Artist prints are great ways to collect art. Look for limited edition artwork, signed and numbered by the artist.” Visit art galleries, museum gift shops and local fairs, even Etsy, to find pieces direct from an artist.

If you love it, buy it. “You splurge on everything else, and unlike your Gucci mules that lose value the moment those treads hit the floor, great art actually has the possibility of appreciating over time.”

Before buying, ask yourself “why?” this piece. Like any great curator, decide why it belongs in your collection.

Be creative with framing – go with ones that match in color, size and material or opt for mismatched ones for a more eclectic vibe. Matting your work always adds that extra touch and makes the “art” stand out. Lifestyle and personal aesthetics should be considered. How much is too much or too little? If you follow the less-is-more view, choose larger statement pieces. Conversely, if you start and can’t stop, just remember to keep balance in mind.

When it comes to actually hanging the pieces, think before you hammer. Tape out where you want each piece to go. Another option is to lean framed art against walls or on shelves. “Art” can encompass many forms and should be part of the equation. “As a design historian it would be impossible for me not to mention that art comes in 3-D forms as well. Your furniture is an important part of your home art collection, but maybe that’s a whole different story,’’ Wood said.

Suzanne Sproul is a lucky wife and proud mom of two great daughters. She’s a transplanted Snow Bird from Chicago who prefers warm climates, particularly central Florida and its beautiful Gulf Coast and Southern California, where she’s lived most of her life. The University of Florida J-school graduate has been a city reporter and features editor, but has spent the past 27 fun years covering stories she loves -- features about SoCal’s diverse and trendy homes+gardens and eclectic arts/entertainment along with her weekly column about the good people of the Inland Empire. When she’s not filing stories, you can find her gardening at home, biking with her husband, jumping around in Zumba class, organizing family adventures – digging for hanksite clusters at the Gem-o-Rama in Trona, anyone? – or rooting for favored sports teams. I’m looking at you USC Trojans, University of California Davis Aggies, University of Florida Gators and those loveable Chicago Cubs, World Champions 2016. Life really is good!